In search for authentic leaders: Imposter syndrome or just an imposter?

Purpose This paper explores the concept of strategic imposterism, a phenomenon in which individuals deliberately adopt imposter-like tendencies to gain power, deflect accountability, or manage expectations. This distinction is crucial within the understanding of leadership, workplace culture, and organisational dynamics. Design/methodology/approach To better understand authenticity the design contrasted a conceptual review of the imposter phenomenon with a narrative review of strategic imposterism, dysfunctional/toxic leadership and the Dark Triad. By mapping these contrasting key factors and concepts, the paper provides a novel theoretical contribution to leadership studies and offers practical insights for fostering authenticity within professional environments. Findings The conceptual review establishes a comprehensive framework for understanding the factors, identifying key factors (or descriptors), contributing to the imposter phenomenon and strategic imposter among organisational team members and leaders. Further, it broadens the discourse on the imposter phenomenon by emphasising that organisations not only harbour individuals who perceive themselves as imposters but also accommodate strategic imposters. This distinction sheds light on a novel conceptual understanding of organisational dynamics. Practical implications Delineating distinct factors and behaviours associated with both imposter phenomenon and strategic imposters, provides valuable insights for managing and supporting distinct employee profiles. Originality/value The comprehensive conceptual review of the concepts enriches the understanding of the factors influencing the imposter phenomenon within modern organisational contexts; it adds insights into strategic imposterism, impression management and self-presentation techniques and how they relate to professional development, professionalism and the feedback processes, and our authentic conceptual map can aid the management of employee profiles within the workplace and teams.